Somali referee Omar Artan has addressed the public for the first time after being denied entry to the United States, which prevented him from officiating at the World Cup. He also expressed his pride ahead of Wednesday’s Super Cup clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa. Uefa appointed the 34-year-old to the fixture only days after he was unable to work at the tournament.
Artan is set to make history in Salzburg as the first referee from outside Europe to oversee Uefa’s annual meeting between the Champions League and Europa League title holders. He described the appointment as an extremely joyful occasion for both himself and his family. He added that the large Somali communities across Europe and Austria are delighted to see him officiate such a significant match.
Artan unexpectedly became involved in a controversy when officials refused him entry at Miami International Airport on 6 June. Fifa president Gianni Infantino indicated that he had no authority to overturn the decision made by Donald Trump’s administration. Somalia is among 12 nations included in a US travel ban introduced last year.
Artan described the experience as a particularly difficult time. He said many people sympathised with him because it is painful to spend years preparing for an opportunity and then be prevented from taking it. However, he expressed deep gratitude for the encouragement he received from people around the world.
To prepare for the game at the Red Bull Arena, Artan has officiated league fixtures in Somalia and the Kuwaiti Premier League. He explained that referees devote considerable time to studying the participating clubs. In addition to regularly following European football, he researches each team’s style of play, tactical approach and on-field behaviour.
Two other African officials will assist Artan on Wednesday: Liban Abdoulrazack Ahmed of Djibouti and Stephen Eleazar Onyango Yiembe of Kenya.
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